The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has granted further funding for the local ‘Tackling Child Sex Abuse Project’, following a successful year in 2018.
The campaign helps parents and carers teach their children about key messages to keep them safe from predators.
Bespoke training sessions and investment in research
Additional funding will be used to offer free bespoke training sessions for the multi-agency workforce, including schools and early years providers, to give them a better understanding of the impact and trauma of CSA on victims and their families.
The money will be invested in continuing research and recording practices to understand the extent of the issue in Dorset.
“Understanding how to talk to young children about the dangers posed by sexual abuse is something that many parents and carers struggle with.”
Martyn Underhill, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, said: “Child sexual abuse is something we all need to be aware of, and this work is going to help us have a better understanding of the extent of the problem across the county of Dorset, as well as providing a wider group of people with the knowledge of what to look out for and how to support young people and their families.”
He added: “Understanding how to talk to young children about the dangers posed by sexual abuse is something that many parents and carers struggle with.”
A Dorset Health Visitor, commented “The briefing session I attended was excellent and highlighted my need for extra training in this subject. I am delighted to hear that training sessions will be offered on the back of feedback from the briefing sessions.”
The total number of children identified as experiencing or at risk of CSA in Dorset dropped from 71 in 2015/16 to 49 in 2016/2017.
